SF Chase Injuries
San Francisco Police Pursuit Ends in Multi-Vehicle Crash, Injuring Nine and Damaging Dealership
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Key Points
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Video from the San Francisco Fire Department shows the struck vehicle crashing into the glass windows of an Audi dealership.
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Five people were inside the vehicle being pursued by police, while four people were in the other vehicle involved in the crash.
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One occupant in the vehicle that was struck sustained less serious injuries, in addition to the two occupants from the pursuing vehicle who were hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.
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The impact sheared off a fire hydrant after the crash.
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Authorities are asking the public for information about the incident, with tips encouraged via TIP411 or by calling the San Francisco Police Department at 415-575-4444.
A police chase in San Francisco ended in a violent crash at 14th Street and South Van Ness Avenue, injuring nine people — two of them critically. The fleeing vehicle slammed into another car, sending it into a fire hydrant and through the glass windows of an Audi dealership, according to KTVU.
Officers first spotted the vehicle driving erratically near Guerrero and 19th streets in the Mission District. When police tried to stop it, the driver refused to yield and sped away. Five people were inside the fleeing car. Four were in the vehicle it struck.
Crash Sends Car Into Dealership and Shears Hydrant
The impact at 14th Street and South Van Ness was severe. Video from the San Francisco Fire Department shows the struck vehicle crashing directly into the glass front of an Audi dealership, according to KTVU. The collision also sheared off a fire hydrant, sending water into the street.
SF Chronicle reported that three people were hospitalized after the crash. Two of those were in life-threatening condition. One person in the struck vehicle suffered less serious injuries. At least one person declined to be taken to the hospital entirely.
Nine Injured, Two in Critical Condition After Impact
Injury counts vary slightly by outlet. KTVU and CBS News both reported a total of 8 to 9 people hurt. Two were in critical or life-threatening condition. Six others had minor to moderate injuries. One person refused hospital transport.
A patrol car was nearly hit during the chase, according to Streamline Feed. The pursuit traveled through a densely packed urban neighborhood before the crash. The Mission District is one of San Francisco's most populated corridors.
Driver and Four Others Detained, No Charges Released
Police detained the driver and all four other people inside the fleeing vehicle. Authorities have not released any names. No charges have been announced yet. SF Chronicle reported that the circumstances of the pursuit remain under review.
The San Francisco Police Department is asking the public for help. Anyone with information can submit a tip through TIP411 or call 415-575-4444. Investigators have not said what originally prompted the erratic driving near Guerrero and 19th streets.
Urban Police Chases Carry High Risks for Bystanders
This crash highlights a recurring tension in city policing. Urban pursuits can turn deadly fast. A chase that starts over a traffic stop can end with bystanders hurt and property destroyed — all within minutes and miles.
In this case, nine people were hurt, a fire hydrant was destroyed, a dealership was damaged, and a patrol car nearly got hit — all from a single chase. CBS News noted that the incident raises fresh questions about when and how police should pursue vehicles in dense city streets.
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